AEterna Zentaris Regains Exclusive Worldwide (ex-Japan) Rights from Solvay for Cetrorelix in Endometriosis Indication
May 08 2007 - 8:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
QUEBEC CITY, May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AEterna Zentaris Inc.
(TSX: AEZ; Nasdaq: AEZS), a global biopharmaceutical company
focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced the
termination of the License and Cooperation Agreement for cetrorelix
for all remaining indications, including endometriosis, with its
partner Solvay Pharmaceuticals (Solvay) (Euronext: SOLB), effective
immediately. AEterna Zentaris has regained exclusive worldwide
(ex-Japan) rights for its lead Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing
Hormone (LHRH) antagonist, cetrorelix in all indications, including
endometriosis, without any financial compensation payable to
Solvay. Solvay shifted its focus to newly defined therapeutic areas
as a result of the acquisition of Fournier Pharma, which was
announced in March 2005. Consequently, cetrorelix is no longer a
priority for Solvay. AEterna Zentaris will conduct a thorough
analysis to determine the best strategy to complete the development
of cetrorelix in endometriosis. "We are very pleased to have
regained control of cetrorelix in endometriosis. Now that we have
the full rights to cetrorelix, excluding Japan, it is imperative
that we conduct an updated, comprehensive strategic analysis and
determine the best way to maximize the value of the compound,"
stated David J. Mazzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of AEterna
Zentaris. About Endometriosis Endometriosis is an abnormal growth
of the endometrium and associated with many symptoms with the most
prevalent being pelvic pain and infertility. Contrary to most of
the current treatments for endometriosis, cetrorelix is not
associated with menopause-like side-effects such as hot-flashes and
fatigue. Endometriosis affects between 10% to 20% of women of
child-bearing age which represents approximately 26 million women.
According to Datamonitor, in 2004, endometriosis treatments
represented a US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion market. About
Cetrorelix Cetrorelix is part of AEterna Zentaris' LHRH antagonist
therapeutic approach. This peptide-based active substance was
developed by the Company in cooperation with Nobel Prize winner
Professor Andrew Schally of the U.S. Veterans Administration in
Miami. Cetrorelix is marketed under the brand name Cetrotide(R),
the first LHRH antagonist approved for therapeutic use as part of
in vitro fertilization programs (controlled ovulation
stimulation/assisted reproductive technologies) in Europe, the USA
and Japan. It was launched on the market through Merck Serono in
the USA, Europe and in several other countries, as well as in Japan
through Shionogi. Cetrorelix is also being studied in a Phase 3
program in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) conducted by AEterna
Zentaris as well as in a Phase 2 program in this same indication in
Japan, sponsored by the Company's partner, Shionogi. About AEterna
Zentaris Inc. AEterna Zentaris Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical
company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology with proven
expertise in drug discovery, development and commercialization.
News releases and additional information are available at
http://www.aeternazentaris.com/. Forward-Looking Statements This
press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including
statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words
"believes", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "expects",
"estimates", "will", "may", "should", "approximately", and the
negative or other variations of those terms or comparable
terminology, are forward-looking statements. Such statements
reflect management's current views, intentions, strategies and
plans and are based on certain assumptions. Forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which
could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and
uncertainties include, among others, the ability of AEterna
Zentaris to implement its business strategies, the availability of
funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of AEterna
Zentaris to take advantage of business opportunities in the
pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory
process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors
should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the
Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information
on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking
statements. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these
forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to
update these forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: AETERNA
ZENTARIS INC. CONTACT: Jenene Thomas, Senior Director, Investor
Relations & Corporate Communications, (418) 655-6420, ; Paul
Burroughs, Media Relations, (418) 652-8525 ext. 406,
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